IRELAND SACRED SITES 2017

Explore the sacred sites of Ireland with Bonnie Bogner, the Founder/CEO of Soul Vibrations. This tour takes you on a journey through Ireland’s landscapes and sacred sites to find connections and inspiration to grow as an individual. Bonnie specializes in providing tools, information and experiences that will help you to become more aware and raise your vibration. There will be plenty time for connecting to the various places we go during this 10 Day Retreat.

Connect with spiritual sites, local guides and beautiful landscapes along the coastal and inland rural communities throughout Ireland. Meditation, centering circles, mindfulness walks, sacred wisdom circles, and other spiritual activities will be incorporated into the itinerary.

A Message from your Guide:

“Life is either a grand adventure or nothing at all!” And I choose to live a grand adventure. Entrepreneur, traveler, mother, coach, daughter, business owner, sister, teacher, friend, animal & nature lover. So many words. But do any of them really describe me? Each one an aspect, but none really describe the whole being.

I am spirit; first and foremost spirit. Spirit having a grand physical adventure. And I am here to help demystify that adventure for others, to help them to have a grand adventure as well. Sometime that is purely a spiritual exploration, and other times, like this trip to Ireland it is a physical and spiritual journey.

Long before I knew there was a name for it, I had an interest in the metaphysical. I remember thinking while growing up, ‘Is this all there is?’ There must be something more. But I didn’t know what that was yet. I have spent the last 25 years diving ever deeper into that ‘something more’.

In 2009 my life took a drastic leap in depth and understanding when a non-physical group of beings who refer to themselves as the Galactic Council made themselves known to me, and requested that I work with them. This relationship has continually deepened developed over the years. And with each level of understanding that they take me to, I have a preview of how much more there still is to learn and understand.

My personal journey to empowerment has been long and rocky; and thus, has created deep compassion for others looking to find their way as well. However, it’s still a journey, not a destination. The sage in me is continually calling for more expression and expansion in all areas of my life. This work is not what I do, it is who I am.

I am well versed in facilitating retreats, having taken a group to Hawaii each winter for the past six years. It is fun, challenging, and oh, so rewarding to take a group of like minded people on a magical journey with spirit, and watch the excitement unfold.

The Trip Includes:

Airport Transport to accommodations to and from Dublin International Airport

Two nights accommodations at the Blooms Hotel for day of arrival and departure

Pick up from Blooms Hotel to begin the adventure together

Nine days of transportation in a Mercedes Luxury Riada van, with experienced Irish driver/guide

Nine nights accommodations at B&B’s and Boutique Hotels as we travel around Ireland

Breakfast each day

Private guides on some days to allow us to access sites not necessarily open to the public

Private day with a Druid priestess on Inishmor

Whale watching tour at Skibbereen

Guided meditations/mindfulness experiences with Bonnie and the Galactic Council at most sites

Visit Mary Minehan and the Brigidine Sisters to see St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Fire Temple and St. Brigid’s Well
County Cork (Harbour town of Kinsale)

Visit Blarney Castle and Labbacallee Wedge Tomb

Explore the Cork coastline; Drombeg Stone Circle;

Experience the West Cork Whale Watching Tour at Skibbereen

Drive the Ring of Kerry

Explore the Cliffs of Moher, explore Burren Region

Take a Ferry from Doolin to Inishmor; get a private tour of island with Celtic Priestess

Included in the total price are 2 nights at the Bloom’s Hotel in Dublin before and after the trip.

Day 1: May 22 – Arrive in Dublin and stay at the Bloom’s Hotel.

Meet in Dublin – We will be staying at the Blooms Hotel in the Temple Bar section of Dublin City. Great shopping and restaurants with lots of Traditional music. http://www.blooms.ie/

Day 2: May 23 - After breakfast, set off for the little village of Fore in County Westmeath (approx 1 hour, 15 minute drive from Dublin) and settle into Hounslow House B&B. Spend 3 nights here. http://www.hounslowhouse.com/index.php/en/

Day 3: May 24 – Connect with our local guide, Treasa Kerrigan who will meet us at the Hill of Uisneach at 11am. The afternoon we will visit Loughcrew – Treasa will book a key to the Gardens and we will stay there until 5pm.

Day 4: May 25 – Connect with Treasa to visit Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Dowth is not open for visitors, but Treasa could provide a private tour. This day will be played by ear since they don’t take reservations at these places. http://newgrange.com/

Treasa knows of some good lunch spots along the way.

Depending on time we can visit Fourknocks passage tomb (you can get the key and it's quite large so the entire group can be inside together) or the hill of Slane.

Day 5: May 26 - Spend day in Kildare with Mary Minehan and the Brigidine Sisters. Spend the night in Kildare at a boutique accommodation - Lord Edward - http://www.lordedwardkildare.ie .

Notes: Whale watching is subject to weather – the owner will have our groups contact details and will text/call the day before and day of to update if the trip is a go. A backup plan will be in place in case the whale watching doesn’t happen.

Spend the night in Skibbereen at the West Cork Hotel.

Day 8: May 29 - Drive Ring of Kerry and enjoy the beautiful scenic views (takes about 5 hours to drive around entire Ring). Spend night in Tralee (which is on other side of the Ring)

Then continue to Galway City and spend 2 nights (approx 1 hour drive from Cliffs of Moher) Suggested place to stay: The newly renovated Residence Hotel in the Latin Quarter.

Day 10: May 31 - Take morning Ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mor. Have private tour of island with Dara Molloy, Celtic Priest, spend day here

Dun Aonghasa

Sacred Site of St Ciaran, which includes a holy well, standing stones and an early church ruin. Dara will do some sacred rituals at this site. Rituals may involve walking the rounds of the holy well, using the wishing stone, etc.

Drive to Galway City and spend last night there.

Drive back to the Residence Hotel hear the Spanish Arch Bar and spend last night there.

Day 11: June 1 – Drive back to Dublin and spend the afternoon in Dublin. Spend the night in Dublin at the Blooms Hotel.

Day 12: June 2 – Fly home.

We will be staying in a variety of Bed and Breakfasts, boutique hotels, and historic hotels for the duration of the trip.

Single occupancy rate is available at an additional charge.

Budgeting for Meals During the Trip:
The average cost for a budget lunch in Ireland is between $5.50 - $12.00 USD or $8.00 - $17.50 CND or 9 EUR
The average cost for a budget dinner in Ireland is between $9.00 - $17.00 USD or $13.00 - $25.00 CND or 18 EUR
Ireland as you can imagine, has an amazing pub culture and you can get a delicious mean and a pint for around 18 EUR.
If you are on a budget - take advantage of happy hour prices!
The average cost of a pint of beer is about 5 EUR.

The Ultimate Travel Pack List for Ireland

Luggage

As an experienced traveller, learning to pack light is a great piece of advice. If you can do carry on that is always recommended, but don’t stress if carry on isn’t your thing. Plan what works the best for you.

Bring a day backpack or day bag to carry items you may need for the day such as your water bottle, rain gear, snacks, packed lunches, camera, journal, etc.

Please note – that there is enough space in your Vehicle for any luggage size.

Reminder, we will be moving every 1-2 days, so packing light will also simplify this aspect of your travel. Packing cubes are a great way to keep things organized and easy to access within your suitcase.

Be sure to check weight limits for your airline, overweight fees can be steep. I (Bonnie) will have my weigh scale with me if anyone needs to weigh-in before the return flight.

Hint – take a photograph of your luggage, to simplify the claim process if that is every necessary.

Weather

Not too hot and not too cold. In summer (May to July), the averages for highest temperatures are between 17 and 20°C and night time averages are 7-10°C.

Rainfall is 50-70 mm (2-3 “) and it rains an average of 20 days of the month in May and June. So the rain may not be heavy but it will be frequent.

Clothing

Wondering what to bring? You'll need to be adaptable. So go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella (however umbrellas sometimes get frustrating to use when the winds are strong).

Don't be fooled into thinking you won't need sunscreen in the summer months – when the sun shines in Ireland it's quite strong, so wear a high factor and bring a sunhat.

Underwear – as many pairs as you feel comfortable with – a tip is to bring some laundry soap and you can wash your underwear in the sink as needed

1-2 Nicer Outfits for Dinners – in case the group wants to venture out in the evening

Night gown / pajamas (remember nights are cool and humid)

Scarf – optional, but nice to snuggle around your neck or throw over your shoulders. Also great on the airplane.

As you select your clothing think about your ability to layer the items, and tuck them into your day pack as the weather changes along the way.

Shoes

There will be some light walking activities throughout the tour. It’s definitely important to have comfortable hiking shoes or running shoes. The terrain in Ireland is quite rough so sturdy shoes is recommended

1 pair of running shoes or hiking shoes (preferably water proof)

1 pair of casual shoes (this can be sandals if that is your go-to at home)

Toiletries and Medical Items

Local grocery stores will sell all kinds of toiletries so if you forget something or run out – don’t’ worry. Please note that if you want to do carry-on for your luggage the bottles must be 100ml or less, and total liquids must fit in a quart sized bag. You cannot bring items such as a razor blade or nail clippers in carry on.

Note: You will need a Plug Adaptor. Ireland uses the same system as the UK involving the large three-pronged formation. For laptops, battery chargers and cell phones you don’t need a voltage converter.

Note: Hair Dryers are supplied by all the accommodations throughout the tour